Hair and Beauty students at the College of West Anglia have raised £135.15 for Breast Cancer Now through a special Wear It Pink fundraising event.
Students and staff offered manicures, deep conditioning treatments and a raffle while encouraging conversations about breast cancer awareness.
Dressed in pink for the occasion, students welcomed members of the public into the college’s Hair and Beauty department, giving them the chance to put their classroom learning into practice while supporting the charity.
For many of those taking part, the event also provided an opportunity to build confidence and develop experience working with real clients.
Level 2 Beauty Therapy student Skylar English said: “It’s been such a fun day, and knowing we’re raising money for such a worthwhile cause makes it even better. Getting to practise our skills with real clients is a brilliant opportunity, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of it.”
Fellow Level 2 Beauty Therapy student Lottie Heath said the event also highlighted the role beauty professionals can play in raising awareness.
She said: “Working in beauty, we spend a lot of time with women, so it feels particularly important to support breast cancer awareness. It’s been lovely to do something meaningful while getting hands-on experience and developing our skills.”
The event also gave students an opportunity to consider the conversations they may have with clients during their future careers.
Level 2 Beauty Therapy student Isabelle Hughes said: “It’s a great way to start the year, putting everything we’ve learnt so far into practice and building our confidence. We’ve also been able to talk to clients about breast cancer awareness and symptoms, which shows how we can make a difference beyond the treatments we provide.”
Members of the public also took part by booking treatments and supporting the fundraising.
Client Sarah Dunn said: “You never know when you or someone close to you might need support from a cancer charity, which is why events like this matter. It’s also a lovely way to support the college. The students get the experience they need, and we get to enjoy a treatment while contributing to a good cause.”
Holly Little, Level 2 Beauty Course Director at CWA, said: “This was the first opportunity for many of our students to work with clients this academic year, so it was wonderful to see them putting their skills into practice with such enthusiasm.
“To combine that experience with raising £135 for an important cause makes the day even more rewarding.”
